Description
These Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes are a delightful blend of tart lemon and sweet raspberries, topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist and fluffy, these cupcakes are easy to make and ideal for any celebration or simply a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon slices
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes, to create a well-aerated base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk starting and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined to keep the batter light.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to infuse the batter with a fresh citrus flavor.
- Fold in Raspberries: Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to overmix to avoid breaking the berries, especially if using frozen raspberries which should be added directly without thawing.
- Fill Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cupcakes are fully cooked.
- Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, creating the base of the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, starting with 3 cups and adding more as needed, mixing on low speed until combined to avoid a sugar dust cloud.
- Flavor Frosting: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and add brightness.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more lemon juice or milk to thin it out; if too thin, add more powdered sugar for firmness.
- Whip Frosting: Beat the frosting at high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, enhancing texture and spreadability.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost them with the prepared lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish: Decorate the frosted cupcakes with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, or lemon zest for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
- Chill: For best results, chill the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious raspberry lemon cupcakes and enjoy the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen raspberries; if frozen, do not thaw before adding to batter to prevent excess moisture.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust frosting consistency with lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed for easier spreading.
- Chilling frosted cupcakes helps the frosting set and enhances flavor.
- Lemon zest adds intense citrus aroma, use fresh lemons for best results.
